hello

i recently obtained a tascam 38 but there is a problem with the deck.

What happens:

power on: ok, capstan start spinning, lights are ok
play: left motor starts spinning, capstan is ok, lights are ok, but the right motor is not ok (no action at all), had a look inside: when pressing play the brakes are moving so the spooling motors are free to move.
rwd: no action, left and right motor are not working
ffwd: no action, left and right motor are not working
stop: when in play mode and you press stop the machine stops so that's ok

as known with this deck the capstan roller needed a replacement so that's been done.

my question: could the control pcb be defective?
if so: does anyone have a control pcb for a reasonable price?

many thanks

steve

Did you test the functions with tape loaded ?
If so, check the reel-tables as sometimes these get pushed in and prevent the reel to move in any position.
Let me know what you find,

To add to what Vintage TX suggested , I've had intermittant problems with serveral 34B's, which is very similar to the 38. In addition to adjusting the reel tables, I also ended up removing all the cards and cleaned all the contacts and it worked fine after that. So it may be that hopefully and nothing more serious as a control board.

Good point Vincei, if the deck been moved or shipped recently, loss of one or several channels usually is loose boards or connections.

hi guys

i've found it!

the tape tension arms are not ok. when I lifted the right tape tension arm the capstan motor should start spinning but it didn't. So I had a look to this switch and it needed some lubrication.

I've cleared the two tape tension arms out, they are lubricated and now they are working fine.

It remembers me of my revox A700. It did have the same problem and also needed lubrication.

I must say that the tascam 38 is a big spaghetti bowl inside. My revox tape recorders are less complicated and they are easier to maintain.

That was good news you found the problem.:thmbsp: